Tailgate hinge slop

[Fairlane514]

I hope this hasn't been discussed to death before ( I did a search)

The lower hinges seem to have some slop in them, causing alignment issues with the body lines. I have loosened the lower hinge on the drivers side and raised it as much as i could and then it drops.

Im thinking of some kind of shim inside the tailgate where the hinge turns to tighten it up.

 

[Broncobowsher]

I am trying to remember if there is suppose to be a plastic bushing on the hinge. I think there is suppose to be, but I may be confusing that with newer stuff.

 

[Lennardlector]

When I took mine apart for paint I just bought new ones from a local vendor. Removed slop and stopped the rattling. They were dirt cheap.

 

[Fairlane514]

Im going to take it apart tomorrow and see what I can come up with.

 

[nickgp]

Plastic bushings are a later truck thing. If you think the EB set up is bad, take a look at some late model trucks. The plastic bushing breaks, falls out and the next thing you get is paint damage to the gate and end caps of the bed. Dodges are notorious for this.

 

[Rustytruck]

Inside the hinge cups were hard compressed paper washers to kep the rattle out at the hinge. they were about 1-1/2" diameter about 1/8" thick. There is supposed to be a rubber wedge and 2 rubber snubbers in the tailgate jamb on each side to keep the tailgate from rattling and the tailgate supports from rattling.

 

[DirtDonk]

The aftermarket can come to the rescue as well. My old stuff was not too bad under normal circumstances, but as soon as you hit a big bump everything moved around and made noise.

These two parts, or both in one kit are worth considering:

http://www.wildhorses4x4.com/category/s?keyword=silencer

One is just the Silencer hinges, if that's your only issue, but much rattling goes on due to the retainer/limiter/supports, which can be fixed with the cables. Or they're both available in a single kit.
For noise from the supports, new rubber guides or a little additional foam in there can also help quiet the bars from rattling around.

Some people have a little more difficulty installing the new, tighter fitting hinges than with the old stock ones that had a flat side on one, most likely to aid in installation.
It's doable though, and the results are excellent.
Same for the cables. The upper sleeves fit better on some EB's than others, but in most cases they'll go right on with a little finesse.

Paul

 

[Fairlane514]

Had it apart today and its obvious what needs to be done to tighten it up and quiet it. I couldn't do much but hammer close the gap some between the hinge and tailgate.

The kit from WH looks great, definitely on the list!

 

[TDubya]

Refreshing this thread because I was doing a search for removing the tailgate hinges. Bought the silencer hinges and now can't remember how to remove the tailgate to replace them.

 

[Whoaa]

The new style urethane hinges are great!

http://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/The_Silencer_Tailgate_Hinges

They're a little tight going in for the first time and a little lube helps, use gojo hand cleaner or liquid dish soap as lube to make it easier and then wash off w/ water. .........I just reread what I wrote, sounds like the first time having sex!

 

[kntr]

I bought the hinges and I don't see how to remove the tailgate.

How to I get the tailgate off?

 

[Steve83]

By removing the bolts in the body.

.

 

[Mustangs2]

Just switched mine out this week.
Wish I would have done it sooner.
Works great and no more rattles.
Worth the investment for sure.

 

[broncosbybart]

Yeah, the urethane hinges are a tight install. Very tough install on a truck that has fresh paint. Blue painters tape is a must if you want to minimize paint damage.

 

[kntr]

By removing the bolts in the body.

.

Got that...
Then do you just slide the tailgate up and out?
Is there a trick to it?

 

[Chief Master Sergeant]

I normally just take one side off and slide the tailgate up to remove that side's hardware. The tailgate just slides off the other side.

 

[Steve83]

Is there a trick to it?

Yeah: don't let the t/g fall on you, or the bumper, or rip the license light wire out.